Summary: The iPad is a useful device that many people use away from their desks. With a mounting solution like the Soft Touch Flex holder you can take advantage of the screen real estate while working at your desk.

Package contents of the Soft Touch Flex holder

When I am at my desk, my iPad usually sits in my bag ready to go or is propped up in an external keyboard cover so I can have streaming video playing while I work. The folks at Soft Touch Manufacturing have a couple of iPad stands that let you mount your iPad securely to a desk with a clamp or clip.

I was sent a black Soft Touch Flex Holder with clamp. There are three pieces that are a part of this kit, including the clamp with Flex link arm, iPad mount, and quick-release adapter. You will notice only two pieces in the box, since the quick-release adapter is inserted into the iPad mount already.

The first thing to do is find a secure place on your desk where you will be able to use your iPad while it is mounted. Unscrew the clamp to fit the thickness of your desk, it works with desks from 1/2 inch to 2 inches thick, slide the clamp into place, and turn the wing nut screw to tighten the clamp. There are durable rubber pads on each side of the clamp to protect your desk from any damage as you secure the clamp.

The directions next direct you to insert the quick release adapter, with the iPad mount attached, into the Flex link arm. However, I found it easier to place my iPad down on a table and then attach the iPad mount on the back first and then place my mounted iPad into the Flex link arm. Since the quick release adapter is designed to let you pull off your iPad quickly and easily I figure this way lets me make sure my iPad is secured in the iPad mount first.

The easiest way to secure your iPad into the four spring loaded arms of the iPad mount is to place one side of your iPad into two arms and then pull out the other two corners carefully and insert the corners of your iPad. The corner brackets and spring loaded arms seem to hold the iPad quite securely in place.

After placing your mounted iPad into the Flex link arm, you simply tighten the quick release screw. The quick-release adapter has a textured end so that nothing slides around when connected. The final step is to simply adjust the particular angle and position of your mounted iPad. The Flex link arm has six individual pliable links so you can get it just right.

I previously discovered the Air Display (iTunes link) utility that lets me use my iPad as a secondary display for my computer. The Soft Touch Flex Holder is a perfect companion for using your iPad as a second display.

The Soft Touch Flex Holder is available for $49.95 in black, white, blue, pink, red, and green color variants. It comes with a one-year manufacturers' warranty and you may be pleased to know it is made in the US, 100 percent in Colorado. It also has stands for older iPad models, cameras, and flashlights to help with your hands-free experience.

(Image: Matthew Miller/ZDNet)

Quick-release adapter attached to mount

The quick-release adapter secures to the iPad mount. Notice the textured end of the adapter that helps keep your iPad from rotating when attached to the arm.

(Image: Matthew Miller/ZDNet)

Clamp secured to the desk

The clamp works with desks from 1/2 inch to 2 inches thick.

(Image: Matthew Miller/ZDNet)

Flex holder

The Flex holder in place at my desk.

(Image: Matthew Miller/ZDNet)

Securing the mount to the iPad

I found it easier to secure the iPad mount piece to my iPad on the desk prior to connecting to the Flex link arm.

(Image: Matthew Miller/ZDNet)

Secure corner brackets

The corners of your iPad fit into the heavy plastic corners with the spring-loaded arms holding it in place.

(Image: Matthew Miller/ZDNet)

iPad mounted on the desk

Side view of the mounted iPad.

(Image: Matthew Miller/ZDNet)

View from the back

The arm can be rotated to fit your work space.

(Image: Matthew Miller/ZDNet)

Three-screen solution

With the mounted iPad and Air Display utility, you can extend your workspace or just use the iPad for its own applications.

Package contents of the Soft Touch Flex holder

When I am at my desk, my iPad usually sits in my bag ready to go or is propped up in an external keyboard cover so I can have streaming video playing while I work. The folks at Soft Touch Manufacturing have a couple of iPad stands that let you mount your iPad securely to a desk with a clamp or clip.

I was sent a black Soft Touch Flex Holder with clamp. There are three pieces that are a part of this kit, including the clamp with Flex link arm, iPad mount, and quick-release adapter. You will notice only two pieces in the box, since the quick-release adapter is inserted into the iPad mount already.

The first thing to do is find a secure place on your desk where you will be able to use your iPad while it is mounted. Unscrew the clamp to fit the thickness of your desk, it works with desks from 1/2 inch to 2 inches thick, slide the clamp into place, and turn the wing nut screw to tighten the clamp. There are durable rubber pads on each side of the clamp to protect your desk from any damage as you secure the clamp.

The directions next direct you to insert the quick release adapter, with the iPad mount attached, into the Flex link arm. However, I found it easier to place my iPad down on a table and then attach the iPad mount on the back first and then place my mounted iPad into the Flex link arm. Since the quick release adapter is designed to let you pull off your iPad quickly and easily I figure this way lets me make sure my iPad is secured in the iPad mount first.

The easiest way to secure your iPad into the four spring loaded arms of the iPad mount is to place one side of your iPad into two arms and then pull out the other two corners carefully and insert the corners of your iPad. The corner brackets and spring loaded arms seem to hold the iPad quite securely in place.

After placing your mounted iPad into the Flex link arm, you simply tighten the quick release screw. The quick-release adapter has a textured end so that nothing slides around when connected. The final step is to simply adjust the particular angle and position of your mounted iPad. The Flex link arm has six individual pliable links so you can get it just right.

I previously discovered the Air Display (iTunes link) utility that lets me use my iPad as a secondary display for my computer. The Soft Touch Flex Holder is a perfect companion for using your iPad as a second display.

The Soft Touch Flex Holder is available for $49.95 in black, white, blue, pink, red, and green color variants. It comes with a one-year manufacturers' warranty and you may be pleased to know it is made in the US, 100 percent in Colorado. It also has stands for older iPad models, cameras, and flashlights to help with your hands-free experience.

Matthew Miller started using a mobile devices in 1997 and has been writing news, reviews, and opinion pieces ever since. He is a co-host with GigaOM's Kevin Tofel on the MobileTechRoundup podcast and an author of three Wiley Companion series books. Matthew started using mobile devices with a US Robotics Pilot 1000 and has owned over 200 d...
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Disclosure

Matthew is a professional naval architect by day and a mobile gadgeteer at all other times. He purchases his own devices and then sells them on eBay or Swappa to buy more. Many other devices are sent for review on a 30-day loaner basis and then returned to the carrier or manufacturer. If any are provided as &#8220;long term loaner units&#8221 this will be clearly disclosed in his reviews.